Speech by Nikki Haley, US Ambassador to the UN, before the vote

“America will move its embassy to Jerusalem. It's what the American people want us to do, and it's the right thing to do. No vote at the UN will make a difference. »

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley on Thursday reiterated her threats to countries that vote in favor of a resolution condemning Washington's decision to designate Jerusalem as Israel's capital shortly before the polls in the UN General Assembly.

“To its great shame, the UN has long represented a hostile organization for the State of Israel. The current secretary general and the previous one have denied that she gave disproportionate attention to Israel. It is a lie that undermines the credibility of this institution and which, in turn, is harmful to the whole world.

I have often wondered why, in the face of such hostility, Israel chose to remain a member of this body. Then I remembered that Israel had chosen to stay in this institution because it is important to defend itself. Israel must defend its own survival as a nation. The country also upholds ideals of freedom and human dignity that the United Nations is supposed to represent.

Facing you here today, forced to defend the sovereignty and integrity of my country – the United States of America – these same thoughts came to mind. The United States is by far the largest contributor to the UN and its agencies. We do this, in part, to advance our values ​​and interests. Thus, our participation in the UN produces a great good for the world. Together we feed, bring clothes and educate desperate people. We try to maintain a fragile peace in conflict zones around the world. And we hold outlaw regimes accountable. We do this because it represents who we are. It's our American way.

But we will be honest with you. When we make generous contributions to the United Nations, we also give them legitimate trust that our goodwill will be recognized and respected. When a nation is specifically targeted by this organization, that nation faces disrespect. Above all, this nation is being asked to pay for the 'privilege' of facing a lack of respect.

In the case of the United States, we are being asked to pay more than anyone else for this dubious privilege. Unlike some UN member countries, the United States government is accountable to its citizens. As such, we have an obligation to recognize when our political and financial capital is being misused.

We have an obligation to demand more for our investment. And if our investment fails, we have an obligation to spend our resources more productively. These are the thoughts that come to mind when we consider today's resolution.

Arguments regarding the president's decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem have already been made. They are now well known. The decision was consistent with US law that dates back to 1995, and its position has been repeatedly endorsed by the American people since then. The decision in no way prejudges final status issues including the boundaries of Jerusalem. This decision does not rule out a two-state solution if the parties agree on it. This decision in no way undermines peace efforts. Rather, the president's decision reflects the will of the American people and our right as a nation to choose the location of our embassy. There is no need to develop this further.

Instead, there is a more important point to note. The United States will remember that day when it was pilloried before the General Assembly simply for exercising our right as a sovereign nation. We will remember this when we are again asked to make the largest (financial) contribution to the United Nations. And we will remember that when many countries come and ask us, as they so often do, to pay even more and use our influence to their advantage.

America will move its embassy to Jerusalem. It's what the American people want us to do, and it's the right thing to do. No vote at the UN will make a difference.

But this vote will make a difference to how Americans view the UN and how we view countries that disrespect us in the UN. This vote will be remembered. »

Source: ©  Speech by Nikki Haley, US Ambassador to the UN, before the vote